Generations of radio listeners in Mobile, Los Angeles and New Orleans recognize the voice of David Blake.
The retired radio news anchor and morning show host died after complications from heart failure on April 13 at age 71.
Blake’s 45-year radio career started in Mobile at WABB-AM radio when it was the mainstay of local news. He joined with morning host Ron Frazier. This was the 1970s, now remembered as the golden age of radio in Mobile.
Blake was always the straight man. Others joked, but Blake not only played the straight man, he was indeed the serious one. He was never “Dave.” Always, “David.”
From Mobile, Blake went on to be a morning news anchor and straight man to air personality “Cajun” Ken Cooper at WEZB 97 FM in New Orleans.
From there, he landed the chance to return to his native Southern California to serve as news director at KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, working as the straight man for Gary Owens and comedy duo Lohman and Barkley.
Blake was then called back to New Orleans and stayed there for the rest of his career and life. He anchored the morning news at WLMG FM Magic 101.9. That led to his last and longest gig, WWL radio for 30 years as straight man for morning show hosts Bob DelGiorno and Tommy Tucker.
David Blake gained fans over the eastern United States because WWL is a clear channel station transmitting at 50,000 watts. At night, it is heard in 40 states. That was vital during New Orleans' Hurricane Katrina aftermath and often was the only source of local broadcast news.
Blake’s work has been honored by the Press Club of New Orleans, the Associated Press and the national Edward R. Murrow award for outstanding newscast.
A celebration of David’s life and work will be held in New Orleans at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
